IELTS Band Score Scale
What is the IELTS Band Score?
IELTS is a multi-level exam in which he has to pass certain levels. In IELTS, a candidate is not considered as passed or failed. Rather he or she has to attain points from 1-9.
From each section, a candidate is supposed to get marks from 1 to 9. Their results from all four parts generate a full overall band score.
IELTS 9-band Score Scale
- There are 9 bands and each band corresponds to a level of competence. Aggregative band score can be measured up in half bands
- For example; 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5, 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5, etc. Here, the table has shown the band no, skill level and description.
| Band | Level | Explanation |
| Band 9 | Expert User | The user has full command of the English language, fluent and proficient in understanding. |
| Band 8 | Very Good User | Has understanding with occasional imprecisions. He can handle complex argumentation. |
| Band 7 | Good or Satisfactory User | Has operational command of a language along with misunderstandings in several conditions. The user can grasp reasoning. |
| Band 6 | Proficient User | Not full but effective command of language. He encounters several inaccuracies and misunderstandings. |
| Band 5 | Modest User | This user has half command of the language though committing lots of mistakes. |
| Band 4 | Limited user | Have problems in understanding language. The user is unable to understand the expression and usage of complex language. |
| Band 3 | Extremely limited | Encounters hurdles in communication as the user conveys only limited ideas. |
| Band 2 | Irregular User | Incapable of communicating with others except for a few isolated words. Encounters great difficulty in writing and spoken discourse. |
| Band 1 | Non-user | He has no ability to use language or he is devoid of language usage. He is unable to communicate except for a few isolated words |
| Band 0 | Didn’t attempt the test | No information was provided. |
Understanding Your Overall Band Score
The overall band score is the total of all four modules. It is rounded in the following way. If your score ends with 0.25, it is rounded off to the previous number, and if your score is around 0.75, it is rounded off to the next number.
What Does Your Score Mean for You?
Various institutes have different scoring requirements for Ielts for admission. You must know them for your admission purposes. Let’s discuss it
- Band 6.0 and above Most of the colleges have set criteria for fresh graduates around this number. To fulfil your dream of studying abroad you have at least met this criteria.
- Band 6.5 and above In order to get admission in post-graduate programs you have to score this minimum at least.
- Band 7.0 and above This is a requirement of prestigious colleges and universities for admission.
- Band 8.0 and above This is usually not required because scoring this much mean you are like a native Englishman but being best is exceptional so always try to be on the top.
Recommended Validity Period of Band Score:
- Candidates are ranked based on their performance and hard work.
- This scale reliably processes scores no matter where the test is taken.
- When it comes to the validity period of scores, 2 years is recommended for its validity.
Summing up, IELTS scores are reliable all over the world. These scores are given to the student on the Test Report. To get more information, the IELTS scores Explained DVD has been designed which contains information and samples of different band levels.
For more details, do visit
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